ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) – The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have agreed to intensify cooperation in the fields of defence and aviation, marking a significant step toward deepening their bilateral relations.
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The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting on Monday between H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of Ethiopia to Pakistan, and H.E. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defence of Pakistan.
During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of expanding collaboration across multiple domains including peace and security, defence industry, aviation, climate change, trade, investment, culture, and tourism.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker briefed the Defence Minister on Ethiopia’s landmark achievement—the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—built on the principle of equitable and reasonable use of water resources, aiming to foster regional integration without harming any neighbouring country.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s growing aviation capabilities, the Ambassador expressed keen interest in expanding Ethiopian Airlines’ flight operations to more Pakistani cities beyond Karachi, to enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity.
Federal Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif lauded the visionary leadership of Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, praising his government’s transformative initiatives that have propelled socio-economic growth and national unity.
He also acknowledged Ethiopia’s crucial role in promoting peace, security, and stability across the Horn of Africa, reiterating Pakistan’s firm support for these efforts.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defence and aviation ties as part of a broader partnership for mutual prosperity, regional stability, and enhanced South-South cooperation.
